Efficiency and safety of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal cysts

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficiency and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of mediastinal cysts. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients indicated as mediastinal cystic lesions under ultrasonic bronchoscope, who received EBUS-TBNA in Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2010 to June 2016. Results 14 cases considered as mediastinal cystic lesions were examined by endobronchial ultrasound-guided (EBUS). Ultrasound check showed the lesions were liquid dark area.The final diagnosis were as follows: 1 case diagnosed as cystic schwannoma; 1 case diagnosed as mediastinal bronchogenic cyst in right lung; 1 case showed streptococcus viridans through bacterial culture; 1 case showed pneumonia Klebsiella through bacterial culture, then diagnosed as mediastinal abscess; 1 cases appeared fever, chest pain, and pleural effusion after EBUS-TBNA, of which bacterial culture result was Klebsiella, considered related to EBUS-TBNA; 1 case mediastinal cyst completely absorbed; 1 case mediastinal cysts reduced obviously; 1 case mediastinal cyst showed no obvious change.Other 7 cases without puncture were followed up. Conclusions Diagnostic rate of EBUS-TBNA to mediastinal cyst was better than that of lung CT image.Since it may cause mediastinal abscess spread even secondary thoracic infection, EBUS-TBNA is not the first choice of mediastinal cyst or cystic lesions. Key words: Mediastinal cyst; Cystic; Mediastinal lymph nodes; Biopsy; Liquid dark area